LIVERMORE — Visitors at Boothby’s Orchard & Farm were welcomed with samples of fresh cider and local cheese in celebration of Maine Apple Sunday.

Rob and Denise Boothby, owners of the seventh-generation orchard at 366 Boothby Road were on hand to greet guests, give tours and answer questions.

“We have lots of shoppers looking for Macs and Cortlands,” Rob Boothby said. “Everything is coloring nicely. This morning’s frost helps.”

The most popular variety, Honeycrisp, will not be ready for at least a week, he said.

Apple picking at Boothby’s has been a tradition for Gino and Cassie Salgado and their children Amelia, 3, and Jovie, 1, of Rumford.

Cassie said she was introduced to the orchard seven years ago. At the time, she was student in the Early Education program at University of Maine at Farmington, where Denise Boothby is a professor.

“We come back every year. It’s busy enough but not crowded. We love the hayrides and cheese,” said Cassie.

The 19th annual Maine Apple Sunday, sponsored by Maine State Pomological Society, was held at participating orchards throughout the state. Pomology is the branch of botany that studies and cultivates fruit.

According to the society, Maine Apple Sunday coincides with the beginning of peak apple harvest, when summer apples are still available but the main crop is ready for its first pick.

“We are anxious to get the season started,” said Rob Boothby, whose farm stand also offers bagged apples, sweet corn, Boothby beef and wine and more.

The orchard and farmstand is open weekdays noon – 6 p.m., and holidays and weekends 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hayrides are offered during weekend hours. For more information, visit www.boothbyorchard.com or call 207-754-3500.

Arthur Hayford drives a wagon through Boothby’s Orchard & Farm in Livermore during Maine Apple Sunday. (Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal)